US Ocean Policy (E.O. 13840)

Summary

Creates a plan to manage America's oceans and Great Lakes to help the economy, keep the country safe, and protect the environment.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. needs a unified plan to manage its oceans and Great Lakes, which are important for jobs, safety, and fun. This order creates a special committee to get different government groups to work together on ocean issues and share information.

What does this order do?

Establishes the Ocean Policy Committee

Creates a new group of leaders from various government agencies to coordinate all federal activities related to oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes.

Sets a new national ocean policy

Outlines the official U.S. policy to manage ocean waters for economic, security, and environmental benefits, ensuring that rules do not block sustainable use.

Revokes a previous executive order

Cancels Executive Order 13547, which was focused on the 'Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes.'

Requires public access to ocean data

Directs the new committee to coordinate the public release of government data about the ocean to support science and business opportunities.

Engages with states and private groups

Requires the committee to work with state and local governments, tribes, and private industries to solve ocean-related problems.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies with ocean responsibilities
Ocean industries (fishing, energy, shipping)
Coastal and Great Lakes communities

What is the real world impact?

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Streamlines government coordination

Creates a single committee to handle ocean-related issues, aiming to make government work more efficiently by combining the efforts of many different agencies.

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Promotes economic and energy interests

Focuses on helping ocean industries like fishing, shipping, and energy production grow. It ensures that government rules do not get in the way of using ocean resources.

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Shifts focus from previous environmental policy

Replaces a former executive order that focused on 'stewardship.' Critics might argue this new policy prioritizes business and energy development over protecting the environment.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately, but it sets a deadline for government agencies to review their rules.

Agency Policy Review

Within 90 days of June 19, 2018, all federal agencies must review their rules and policies to make sure they are consistent with this new ocean policy.